I’ve been taking the kids to Washington Capitals games.  Proving yet again that I’m not a perfect father.  Why subject the ones you love to heartbreak, disappointment, and unfulfilled potential (we did win the big one once – not enjoyable, dreaded the collapse, relief at the final horn).

The girl likes the game and has a good grasp, even catching the time the defense screwed up and allowed the overtime game winner.  The boy just can’t wait to go to post-game McDonalds.

I really like hockey.  If I could skate, I would play the ice version.  One time at a church event, the kids would be in circles around me when on my behind.  The girl I lit the candles for would skate over and be kind.  That’s why the candles.

I taught a good number of college players.  Had the starting and third string goalies, key players, and the problem child. 

Hockey also allowed me to bond with several officers.  Many played and their kids did too.  They’d be surprised when I would tell them one of my favorite players was Rod Langway (the Caps’ captain and Minister of Defense, helmetless, rarely scored, a force of nature).

Musically, I appreciate the relationship between the game and heavy metal.  Not a metalhead, but I like the genre, especially Metallica.  I emphasize Enter Sandman to the boy, which is often blaring in games.  My favorite song though is Wherever I May Roam – those lines “Rover, Wanderer, Nomad, Vagabond, Call me what you will” and “Under wandering stars I’ve grown, by myself but not alone.”  Never really expected to live some of that out.